Illinois DMV License

Illinois Graduated Driver

Research shows that the leading cause of death for people between 15 to 20 years old is traffic accidents. To combat this statistics, Illinois implemented a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. The DGL has milestones which teens have to achieve prior to getting their driver’s license. Secretary of State (SOS) manages the GDL program. Getting your instruction permit (learner’s permit) is the first step in the GDL program.

Illinois Learner’s Permit

To be eligible for a Learner’s Permit you must be above 15 years old and below 17 years old. Furthermore, you must be enrolled in a state-approved driver’s education course or be a minimum of 30 days prior to actively participating in the course.

While accompanied by your parent or guardian, you will need to visit local Driver Services office with the following:

Proof of identity/date of birth

Proof of Social Security Number

2 documents proving residency

Proof of enrollment in Driver’s Ed

After submitting all the documents you will need to do the written permit test/knowledge exam. This is basically to test your knowledge of road rules and traffic sigs featured in the Rules of the Road Review Course Workbook. You will need to successfully pass the written permit test, vision screening and pay a fee of $20.

Your Learner’s Permit only allows you to drive with one passenger in the front seat and the vehicle’s maximum in the back seat. You are not allowed to drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. you are not allowed to use your phone while driving and you must carry your Learner’s Permit at all times while driving.

Illinois Initial Driver’s License

You are eligible to apply for your Initial Driver’s License if you are at least 16 years old and you have had your instructional permit for more than nine months without any traffic violations. In addition, you must have completed Driver’s Ed; you will have to pass a DMV road test at the time that you apply.

To apply, you will have to visit your Driver Services office and provide the following documents: